title: [Effects of infant formula containing galacto-oligosaccharides on the intestinal microflora in infants].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of a low level of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on intestinal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and fermentation characteristics in term infants by comparing with human milk and a standard infant formula without GOS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 371 term infants from four hospitals of China were enrolled. The infants started with breast feeding. After 1-2 weeks, some of the infants were changed to feeding with formula milk and then were randomly assigned to two formula-feeding groups: with or without GOS supplementation (2.4 g/L). Growth, stool characteristics, and side effects were recorded in a 3-month-follow-up. Faecal samples were collected for analysis of intestinal bacteria (culture technique), acetic acid (gas chromatography) and pH (indicator strip) at postnatal 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the formula-feeding group without GOS, the contents of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and acetic acid and stool frequency increased, and faecal pH decreased significantly in the GOS-formula-feeding and the human milk group. There were no significant differences between the GOS-formula-feeding and the human milk groups. Supplementation with GOS did not lead to an increase in the incidence of crying, regurgitation and vomiting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A supplementation of low levels of GOS in infant formula seemed to improve stool frequency, decrease faecal pH, and stimulate intestinal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli up to levels as found in breast-fed infants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Chen Xing-Hai Hospital of Guangdong, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528415, China.
authors.forename: Jun-Wei
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.forename: Ya-Dong
authors.initials: YD
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Xiao-Ming
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Ben
mesh_terms: D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005690:Galactose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D009844:Oligosaccharides; D005690:Galactose